ATHERTON TOWN 1, PRESTWICH HEYS 2: A John Price header four minutes from time secured Heys another three Air Miles Manchester League Premier Division points and the first league win at Atherton in over four seasons.

However, the visitors certainly did not have it all their own way, as Town, with the impressive strike force of Christie and McLaughlin caused the Heys defence problems all afternoon.

Indeed, it was McLaughlin who opened the scoring after 16 minutes when he beat debutant Peter Carmen in the Heys' goal after a excellent through-ball from Carty, although it was against the run of play.

For Heys the outstanding Carl Lomax was a continual thorn in Atherton's side, with an early 25-yard strike heading for the top corner, only for Towns James Taylor to pull off a unbelievable save.

He then did the same when Andrew Sensale completed a delightful one-two with Abbid Uddin who, having won back his place in the starting line-up, fired in a dipping volley, only for Taylor to somehow keep it out.

But the Town keeper could do nothing about Dale Fielding's strike after 35 minutes, blasted into the top corner to get Heys back on terms.

With Jason Dormer and John Price pulling the strings in midfield, and Fielding and Sensale delivering quality balls into Lomax and Uddin, Heys were disappointed not to go into the break in front.

They then began the second half poorly, almost gifting Atherton a second goal.

But Cunningham was on hand with a timely tackle to halt Christie, while Carmen made an excellent save to deny Shaw.

Those were Town's final chances as Heys reorganised and began to lay siege to the Atherton goal.

Lomax, Price, Garrick and Uddin all went close to breaking the deadlock, but it was four minutes from time before the winner arrived

Price found himself in the right place at the right time to head home Garrick's cross and keep alive Heys' hopes of lifting the title.

HEYS: Carmen, Hutchinson, Cunningham, Walters, Doran, Sensale, Dormer, Price, Fielding, Lomax, Uddin. Subs: Hunter, Slater, Garrick, Roberts.

The reserves went down 3-2 to Irlam MS in the Open Trophy semi-final on Saturday, the scorers were Jeff Kavanagh and Ashley Hoolichan.

The club would like to thank all those people who supported the fund-raising evening for Dave Carrington who broke his leg in the Elton Vale game in February. It raised over £500.